The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission has warned small businesses they must quiz suppliers, analyse bills and make mathematical calculations before blaming the carbon tax for soaring costs, adding a new layer of red tape for companies already overburdened by paperwork.The watchdog has set up a band of 23 carbon cops to investigate firms, which face fines of up to $1.1 million if they breach regulations.
In a report released yesterday, the ACCC gave hypothetical examples of how businesses should calculate their carbon tax impact.
For example, a vet who suspected the carbon tax was to blame for the rising cost of supplies but whose suppliers were unable to confirm her suspicions would avoid a fine by simply telling customers "
Another example advised paying for a business analyst to predict the carbon tax costs before making a claim about a carbon price rise.
A hairdresser claiming a 10 per cent rise was "largely due to the carbon price" would be ruled a
Stephen Cartwright, CEO of the NSW Business Chamber, last night described the guidelines as "not about protecting small business and consumers from price hikes, but rather about the government hiding the true impact of the carbon tax from Australians".
He said: "The government is making the carbon tax the Voldemort of taxes. It's the tax whose name you dare not speak for fear of prosecution."
So far this is only happening in Australia. How long til US and EU eco bureaucrats will follow suit?